76-year-old man's garage goes up in flames

Fire crews were sent to a garage on fire Saturday afternoon on Grand Island.

Grand Island Fire Company says it responded to the fire at 4:30 p.m. after a neighbor noticed smoke and flames coming from the unattached two car garage of David Butcher, 76.

Deputy Fire Chief Mark Sadkowski reported a "working fire." Engines #2, #4, #5, LT 6 and fire suppression crews were on scene.

The fire company says the fire was knocked down and under control at 4:51 p.m. despite two frozen hydrants. Crews used direct water supply from engines on scene.

Mutual aid assistance was also sent out by the City of Tonawanda Fire Department.

Officials say the garage suffered $20,000 worth of damage. The contents inside suffered another $10,000 worth of damage.

Firefighters suspected a malfunctioning space heater to have started the fire, but have since ruled this out. Fire Investigator Mike DeMartin has now been ruled "accidental" due to other causes.

Butcher was treated for smoke inhalation but declined hospitalization.